Forward Deployed Engineer (AI Data Platform)

Forward Deployed Engineer (AI Data Platform)SF or NYC (in-office) | $150K–$275K + equityThis is not a typical engineering roleMost engineers build products and hand them off.This role sits at the edge of the product — where messy, real-world data meets high-stakes decisions.You’ll work directly with some of the most sophisticated investors in the world — embedding into their workflows, understanding how they think, and building systems that actually get used.If you like:being close to the customersolving ambiguous, real problemsand turning prototypes into production systemsthis is that role.What You’ll Actually DoThis is a mix of builder, problem solver, and technical partner.Build custom solutions on top of customer data (PDFs, Excel, databases — all of it)Connect structured + unstructured data into usable systemsCreate and run live demos on real customer data (often to senior stakeholders)Work alongside engineers to implement integrations and iterate quicklySit directly with users, understand workflows, and translate that into product directionDecide what gets productized vs. what stays bespoke- You’re not just supporting the product — you’re shaping it.What They’re Looking ForThis role is selective — it requires a specific type of engineer.You likely have:3–8 years in a technical, customer-facing role (FDE, Solutions Engineer, SWE with customer work)Strong fundamentals in Python + SQLExperience working with messy, real-world dataComfort navigating codebases and building quickly (often with modern AI tools)Strong communication — you can explain complex systems simplyStrong SignalsExperience at early-stage or AI-native startupsExposure to data platforms, infrastructure, or developer toolsBackground working with enterprise customersFamiliarity with AI/LLM workflows (RAG, embeddings, etc.)Interest or experience in financial systemsWhat Makes This Role DifferentYou’ll work directly with founders and early engineersYou’ll be embedded with customers — not removed from themThe problems are messy, high-stakes, and unsolvedYou’ll influence what the product becomes, not just how it’s deliveredWhat This Role Is NotNot a pure SWE role sitting behind a roadmapNot a traditional solutions engineer role with scripted demosNot a place for someone who needs structure or clear boundariesWhy This RoleEarly-stage company with strong backing and real tractionSmall team, high ownership, fast iterationOpportunity to define the technical go-to-market function from scratchDirect exposure to customers and real-world impactCompensation$150K–$275K baseCompetitive equityIn-office in SF or NYC